A place for auto upholstery professionals to read news, connect and talk shop

Monthly Wrap Up: August 2014

It’s been an exciting month for The Hog Ring. We covered a ton of industry news, products and designs. And, of course, we highlighted some amazing sales and promotions too. Here’s a look back at August 2014.

Whether you’re installing a convertible top or vinyl top, Kee Auto Top has you covered! This month they’re running a special promotion on both — and a whole lot more! Believe us, these aren’t sales you want to miss.

DLT Upholstery Supply is shaking things up with its new “Certified Shop Loyalty Program” — which awards trim shops that regularly order from them with a long list of benefits, including discounts and customer referrals.

Johnson Controls, one of the world’s largest suppliers of vehicle interiors, plans to introduce “smart” surfaces that make it possible to actually change the color of a car’s interior at the touch of a button.

If you haven’t already set up a business account with Albright’s Supply, you’re missing out. In addition to free shipping and their popular “10 Yard Store,” they offer a long list of services, fantastic sales and fun promotions.

One of the greatest pleasures for me in running The Hog Ring is the opportunity to speak with auto trimmers and shop owners from around the world and learn how they got their start in our highly specialized craft.

Carlex Design crafted an entire interior to resemble the classic geometric shape of a diamond gemstone. Best of all, they executed their plan on a super-luxury Maserati GranTurismo — which they’ve since dubbed the Grandiamond.

We’re filing this custom leopard-print dashboard in our “Ugly Upholstery” category for obvious reasons. We found it on S10Forum.com, where S-10 owner “Slappy McNasty” was bragging about his wild cat-themed interior.

Back in 2009, Top Gear chopped the top off a Renault Espace minivan to create their own retractable soft top. The result was comical, but the real fun didn’t start until they were challenged to put it through its paces.

From its intricate Zagato Wave to Hour Glass Stitch, Aston Martin has been on the cutting edge of unique pleat design for many years. However, its latest feat — a fresh take on diamond pleats — is its most mesmerizing accomplishment.

Whether you’re opening a new auto upholstery shop or reorganizing your current one to maximize space, check out the latest “Interior Insights” article by Harry Weimann in Performance & Hotrod Business magazine.

Every trimmer takes advantage of downtime to transform the mundane into something truly special. Sean Johnstun of Fat Lucky‘s is no different. Check out this shop creeper he tricked out in custom upholstery.

Are you an industry manufacturer, wholesaler or supplier interested in meeting and doing business with other companies like yours? Then attend next month’s ”Upholstery and Trim International Convention” in San Diego.